Article title: Best Mini Wood Lathe Machines for Beginners 2021..
In search of the best mini wood lathe for beginners? Well, no need to worry, as I have reviewed the top picks to help you make up your mind. With these options, you will be able to get a resourceful machine with impressive features as per your needs.
But what is the best wood lathe for money? In this modern era, there are a variety of options when it comes to mini wood lathe machines for beginners. So, the search for the right pick can be daunting.
Whether you have a woodworking shop or just dabble in the craft occasionally as a hobby or pastime, a good digital wood lathe will make a notable difference when turning, sanding, cutting, deformation, knurling, facing, and cutting. Apart from giving you a desired size and shape, it will also be helpful during reclamation and spraying.
So, what exactly differentiates a great wood lathe from an ordinary one? To answer this question, I have looked at the positives, negatives, and the value for money on offer to help you make the right choice.
So, let’s get started.
The TOP 6 Best Mini Wood Lathe Machines for Beginners 2021
1. Delta Industrial 46-460 Mini Wood Lathe
Delta Industrial 46-460 is a good option for you if you need a wood lathe with a large swing capacity and perform at an incredible speed. It has a swing capacity of 14 inches and 40-inch between centers. You can use it in a wide range of wood items, including wide bowls.
This wood lathe machine is powered by a 0.75-horsepower motor, making it a powerful wood lathes. It also has a speed range of 450 to 600 RPM, which combines well with the horsepower for its consistent and smooth operations. The pulley system, consisting of a 24-position index scale, allows you to select optimal speed for your operations without causing any alteration to the belt position.
Another important feature that will make you fall in love with this tool is the forward and reverse feature, enabling you to make superior and accurate finishes.
With this lathe, you can make anything from door handles, wooden bowls, drawer pulls, bangers, or spoons you can either gift your loved ones or sell.
Specifications
- Swing: 14 inches
- Weight: 338 pounds
- Motor: 0.75HP 120V
- Speed range: 450-600 RMP
Pros
- Large swing capacity
- Durable steel stand
- Cast-iron tool rest
- 24 lockable positions
Con
- Very costly
2. Grizzly G0766-22” x 42” Variable-Speed Wood Lathe
Grizzly G0766 is an efficient mini wood lathe that you can use to turn large furniture pieces and bowls. The cast iron bed and stand makes it extremely comfortable for such large-diameter projects. You can also position the headstock anywhere along the bed, allowing you to have the flexibility and wide range of controls and fully control the large projects.
This machine has a swing of 22 inches and a 3-horsepower 3-phase motor that utilizes a single-phase power. Grizzly G0766 also comes with additional features such as wrenches, tailstock barrel travel, digital speed readout, tool rest base, among others, making it more user-friendly.
Additionally, you don’t have to be a pro to set it up. You can do so easily, even if you are a beginner.
Specifications
- Swing: 22 inches
- Motor: 3-horsepower
- Low-speed range: 100-1200 RPM
- High-speed range: 100-3200
- Electronic speed control
- Reverse/Forward spindle control
Pros
- Easy to assemble and use
- Flexible and compact
- Large swing capacity
Cons
- The headstock does not rotate
3. JET JWL-1221VS Mini Wood Lathe
Whether you are serious about woodwork or want to do it as a hobby, JET JWL-1221VS is an excellent option. This mini wood lathe offers excellent control and is easy to use. It comes with a variety of speed controls, allowing you to be firmly in charge while using it.
Besides, this tool is compact and well-built, making it durable. Therefore, you need a sturdy bench to mount the machine. The other thing that makes this lathe a good pick is its variable speed range, ranging from as low as 60 RPM to as high as 3600 RPM, a feature that is not common in most mini wood lathes.
Specifications
- Forward/reverse controls
- Digital display
- Weight: 136.4 pounds
- Speed: 60-3600 RPM variable speed
- Motor: 2HP 220V
Pros
- It does not make noise during use
- Compact and durable
- Exceptional variable speed
- Smooth forward/reverse transition
Cons
- May require additional accessories for maximum use
4. DEWALT Benchtop Planer
This wood lathe machine is powered by a 0.75-horsepower motor, making it a powerful wood lathes. It also has a speed range of 450 to 600 RPM, which combines well with the horsepower for its consistent and smooth operations.
The pulley system, consisting of a 24-position index scale, allows you to select optimal speed for your operations without causing any alteration to the belt position.
DEWALT Benchtop Planer is a good option for you if you need a wood lathe with a single incredible speed. It has a swing capacity of 14 inches and 40-inch between centers. You can use it in a wide range of wood items, including wide bowls.
Another important feature that will make you fall in love with this tool is the forward and reverse feature, enabling you to make superior and accurate finishes.
Specifications
- Swing: 14 inches
- Weight: 338 pounds
- Motor: 0.75HP 120V
- Speed range: 450-600 RMP
Pros
- Large swing capacity
- Durable steel stand
- Cast-iron tool rest
- 24 lockable positions
Con
- Very costly
5.Grizzly Industrial G0462-16″ x 46″ Wood Lathe with DRO
This machine has a swing of 22 inches and a 3-horsepower 3-phase motor that utilizes a single-phase power. Grizzly G0462 also comes with additional features such as wrenches, tailstock barrel travel, digital speed readout, tool rest base, among others, making it more user-friendly. Additionally, you don’t have to be a pro to set it up.
Grizzly G0462 is an efficient mini wood lathe that you can use to turn large furniture pieces and bowls. The cast iron bed and stand makes it extremely comfortable for such large-diameter projects. You can also position the headstock anywhere along the bed, allowing you to have the flexibility and wide range of controls and fully control the large projects.
You can do so easily, even if you are a beginner.
Specifications
- Swing: 22 inches
- Motor: 3-horsepower
- Low-speed range: 100-1200 RPM
- High-speed range: 100-3200
- Electronic speed control
- Reverse/forward spindle control
Pros
- Easy to assemble and use
- Flexible and compact
- Large swing capacity
Cons
- The headstock does not rotate
6. Jet 719500 JWL-1640EVS 1.5 hp 115V Lathe
Whether you are serious about woodwork or want to do it as a hobby, 719500 JWL-1640EVS is an excellent option. This mini wood lathe offers excellent control and is easy to use. It comes with a variety of speed controls, allowing you to be firmly in charge while using it.
Besides, this tool is compact and well-built, making it durable. Therefore, you need a sturdy bench to mount the machine. The other thing that makes this lathe a good pick is its variable speed range, ranging from as low as 60 RPM to as high as 3600 RPM, a feature that is not common in most mini wood lathes.
Specifications
- Forward/Reverse controls
- Digital display
- Weight: 136.4 pounds
- Speed: 60-3600 RPM variable speed
- Motor: 2HP 220V
Pros
- It does not make noise during use
- Compact and durable
- Exceptional variable speed
- Smooth forward/reverse transition
Cons
- May require additional accessories for maximum use
7. WEN 3429 Mini Wood Lathe
Considered as an ideal choice for beginners, the WEN 3429 is a durable, solid tool that produces amazing results. If you have limited space, this is a great choice as it’s lightweight and easy to move around with. So, you can use it in smaller spaces and workbenches.
Furthermore, it’s safe to use as it builds up speed slowly making it a great choice for more inexperienced woodworkers as you can learn and grow with it.
On the downside, you can’t complete complex projects as the WEN 3429 lacks the range and power of more advanced lathes.
In essence, it is a perfect tool if you are a beginner or just testing out the craft.
Specifications
- Safety lock
- 5-inch faceplate
- Variable speed with 750 to 3,200 rotations per 60 seconds
- Soft start motor
Pros
- Lightweight
- Runs smoothly
- Easy to use
Cons
- Not the best tool for complex projects
Final Thoughts
Whether you are a pro or a beginner, there are different types of mini wood lathes when it comes to making your selection for the best choice. Most importantly, consider vital features such as a powerful motor, speed, and weight.
Still confused? Our best picks offer the best solutions for all levels for you to achieve an impressive finish. So, grab yours today.
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